The guiding power behind the Argentinian and his team’s high-octane style has a spiritual dimension that has transformed a mentally weak side into title chasersMauricio Pochettino mentioned the concept at a press briefing last December. “Energía universal,” the Tottenham Hotspur manager said, slipping into his native Spanish. It translates fairly literally into English yet the meaning is altogether more profound.The best way to describe it is as a guiding power, a life force that influences everything. It feels appropriate to consider the Butterfly Effect, which advances the possibility that small causes can have momentous effects, and there is an obvious spiritual dimension to it. Universal energy. It has shaped Pochettino’s approach to life and been at the heart of his...
Mauricio Pochettino enjoyed first success against Chelsea with three central defenders and United’s win will have clarified the Tottenham manager’s thinkingChelsea were poor against Manchester United, very poor. That for the first time in a decade they did not manage a shot on target is damning. And it is true that they have not of late been playing with the relentlessness they did through the final three months of last year. But the idea they were somehow been found out on Sunday seems weirdly exaggerated. The title race may be on again but Chelsea have a lead of four points over Tottenham, whatever psychological pressure Spurs may be able to apply in Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final.In terms of shape, Chelsea...
Mauricio Pochettino has hailed Dele Alli as a ‘unique’ player after his outstanding display in Spurs’ 4-0 win against WatfordDele Alli turns 21 on Tuesday. It is a moment that, some say, represents a coming of age. On a personal level that may well prove the case for the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder, yet in a sporting sense it already feels he is a fully grown performer, a player with man-size capabilities. For sure there is more to come but Alli is more than succeeding in the here and now.That is evident to anyone who has watched him this season as game after game, week after week, Alli has displayed a level of skill, drive and intelligence that belies his tender...
The Tottenham manager named Dembélé as one of the best players he has ever worked with on the eve of a trip to Burnley where the Belgian midfielder’s skill and physicality will be neededMauricio Pochettino cannot help himself. The Tottenham Hotspur manager knows he still has it and whenever the opportunity arises he loves to get involved in a training ground game. The only problem is that his status as the boss appears to count for nothing. Related: Premier League: 10 things to look out for this weekend Continue reading...
Hat-trick for Spurs against Stoke was another sign of a rapid development that has confounded scepticsAs Tottenham Hotspur completed yet another 4-0 victory against Stoke City, the mind drifted towards Vincent Janssen. Put yourself in his shoes for a moment: you have arrived at a new club in a new country as a £17m centre-forward and two thirds into the season have scored only four times and not once from open play. You are desperate to prove your worth and as you sit on the bench on a grey afternoon in north London you see the man keeping you out of the team score his third hat-trick in nine games. It is enough to make a Dutchman pine for a...